EMT Exam 1 Flashcards: Airbags & ALS-Level Instructors

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is your best defense strategy when a patient with a known allergy to aspirin sues you?

Negligent referral

Assumption of risk

Informed consent

Contributory negligence (correct)

What describes a code of conduct defined by society, religion, or a person affecting character and conscience?

morality

What gives surrogates the right to make healthcare decisions for patients who are incapacitated?

durable power of attorney for health care

If a male patient rescinds consent during transport after initially allowing care, what might you be charged with if you refuse to let him out?

false imprisonment Signup and view all the answers

The standards of emergency care for an EMT are often based on what?

locally accepted protocols Signup and view all the answers

Where would you most likely find information regarding a patient's wishes to be an organ donor?

driver's license Signup and view all the answers

Who defines the EMT's scope of practice within their local response area?

medical director Signup and view all the answers

What components are needed to prove negligence?

Duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation Signup and view all the answers

When is forcible restraint permitted?

When the patient poses a significant threat to self or others Signup and view all the answers

Maintaining the chain of evidence at a crime scene should include what practice?

not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when a 59-year-old unconscious patient has a DNR order that cannot be located?

begin treatment and contact medical control as needed Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance can the EMT legally release confidential patient information?

The patient is competent and signs a release form Signup and view all the answers

What type of consent is involved when a mentally competent female asks an EMT to take her to the hospital?

expressed consent Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you arrive at the scene of a pedestrian accident with an unconscious child?

transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when treating a conscious and agitated gunshot wound patient?

ask open-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

The ________________ completes an extensive course of training, from 1,000 to more than 1,300 hours, that significantly increases knowledge and mastery of basic skills and covers a wide range of ALS skills.

paramedic Signup and view all the answers

The ___________________ course requires approximately 150 hours (more in some states) and provides essential knowledge and skills required to provide basic emergency care in the field.

emergency medical technician (EMT) Signup and view all the answers

The ____________________ course ranges between 200 and 400 hours and teaches skills such as IV therapy, the use of advanced airway adjuncts, and the knowledge and skills necessary to administer a limited number of medications.

advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) Signup and view all the answers

__________________ training provides skills necessary to initiate immediate care and focuses on providing immediate BLS and urgent care with limited equipment.

emergency medical responder (EMR) Signup and view all the answers

A ___________ can be reached by dialing 9-1-1.

public safety access point Signup and view all the answers

A _____________ determines appropriate care in a set of written standing orders and protocols.

medical director Signup and view all the answers

In ______________ , an integrated team of health care professionals delivers health care services and connects patients with other resources.

mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) Signup and view all the answers

In ________________ , providers receive advanced training including performing health evaluations and administering immunizations.

community paramedicine Signup and view all the answers

The development of airbags in vehicles is an example of primary prevention.

False Signup and view all the answers

Evidence-based research is the primary means of determining if changes need to be made in patient care.

True Signup and view all the answers

The focus of the public health arm of health care is education.

False Signup and view all the answers

ALS-level instructors and directors must hold a four-year degree.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agencies is the source of the EMS Agenda for the Future, the multidisciplinary national review of all aspects of EMS delivery?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention?

Providing cervical spine immobilization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the process in which a person, institution, or program is evaluated and recognized as meeting predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care?

Certification Signup and view all the answers

At what level is an individual who has training in basic life support, including automated external defibrillation, use of a definitive airway adjunct, and assisting patients with certain medications?

EMT Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

It limits the availability of a patient's health care information. Signup and view all the answers

Which organization developed and published the first curriculum that served as the guideline for EMT training?

Department of Transportation (DOT) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following entities controls licensure of EMTs?

the state in which the EMT practices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about health care in the United States is true?

Health care in the United States is expensive but does not necessarily provide better health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Public health examines the health needs of entire populations. In the United States, public health focuses on education and what else?

prevention Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the medical director to ensure appropriate medical care standards are met by EMTs on each call called?

quality control Signup and view all the answers

What is an EMT's primary service area?

The main area in which the EMS agency operates Signup and view all the answers

You are caring for a driver who struck a light pole. She admits to drinking alcohol but orders you not to tell anyone. You should report the information to __________.

the receiving nurse or doctor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following courses requires about 150 hours of training?

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Signup and view all the answers

The ability to understand others and have them understand you is known as __________.

communication Signup and view all the answers

The ability to handle multiple tasks based on their priority is called __________.

time management Signup and view all the answers

The determination that prompt surgical care in the hospital is more important than performing time-consuming procedures in the field on a major trauma patient is based MOSTLY on:

EMS research Signup and view all the answers

Prehospital patient care decisions should be based on __________.

EMS research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct?

The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to those who are disabled. Signup and view all the answers

National guidelines for EMS care are intended to __________.

provide more consistent delivery of EMS care across the United States Signup and view all the answers

American Heart Association protocols are based on __________.

evidence-based research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is the most accurate?

The individual's reaction to stress determines how much it will strain the body's resources. Signup and view all the answers

When a person comes into contact with blood, body fluids, tissues, or airborne particles in a manner that suggests disease transmission may occur, the situation is known as _____________.

exposure Signup and view all the answers

A ______________ is a microorganism that is capable of causing disease in a susceptible host.

pathogen Signup and view all the answers

A ___________________ can be spread from one person or species to another.

communicable disease Signup and view all the answers

The abnormal invasion of a host or host tissues by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, with or without signs or symptoms of disease is called an ______________.

infection Signup and view all the answers

________________ is the presence of infectious organisms on or in objects such as dressings, water, food, needles, wounds, or a patient's hands.

contamination Signup and view all the answers

You should wear clothing made from cotton in cold, wet environments.

False Signup and view all the answers

Ambulances should be parked at least 100 feet away from all crash sites.

True Signup and view all the answers

In sufficiently high concentrations, cyanide causes signs and symptoms of shock and severe hypoxia, leading to death.

True Signup and view all the answers

There are five common hazards in a fire: Smoke, oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, building collapse, and equipment.

False Signup and view all the answers

OSHA requires all EMS providers to utilize a high-visibility public safety vest while on or near the roadway.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements would be appropriate for an EMT to make when responding to a grieving parent?

"It's okay to be angry" and "I'm sorry for your loss." Signup and view all the answers

_______________ may develop after a person has experienced a psychologically distressing event and is characterized by reexperiencing the event.

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Signup and view all the answers

_________________ is/are a strong contributor to heart disease, hypertension, cancer, alcoholism, and depression.

cumulative stress reactions Signup and view all the answers

During ____________________ you feel nervous and excited, and your ability to focus increases.

acute stress reactions Signup and view all the answers

During ______________ you may be left with nervous, excited energy that continues to build and becomes a distraction.

delayed stress reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should you do when lifting something heavy?

Bend your legs, not your waist. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following involves the spread of infection by animals or insects that carry an organism from one person or place to another?

Vector-borne transmission Signup and view all the answers

Recently you started noticing that a coworker is disinterested in his work. He has started coming in late and has taken to sitting alone and not socializing with other members of the team. The job has been stressful lately. Call volume has increased and you rarely have any downtime between calls. What is your coworker most likely experiencing?

cumulative stress reaction Signup and view all the answers

What blocks the ability of the hemoglobin to transport oxygen to body tissues?

carbon monoxide Signup and view all the answers

While treating a patient with a high fever and cough, you accidentally expose yourself to the illness. What should you do?

report the incident to the infection control officer Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying?

it introduced the stages of grief Signup and view all the answers

What are the three stages of general adaptation syndrome?

An alarm response, reaction and resistance, and recovery/exhaustion Signup and view all the answers

The tactical use of an impenetrable barrier for protection that law enforcement agents use is called what?

cover Signup and view all the answers

You are responding to an accident scene involving an overturned semi truck carrying diesel fuel. Which reference source will be most helpful in this case?

DOT Emergency Response Guidebook Signup and view all the answers

What program, often available for EMS personnel, involves contracted agencies that provide a wide array of mental health, substance abuse, crisis management, and counseling services?

An employee assistance program (EAP) Signup and view all the answers

After assessing a patient's blood glucose level, you accidentally stick yourself with the contaminated lancet. You should:

report the incident to your supervisor after the call. Signup and view all the answers

Quid pro quo, a type of sexual harassment, occurs when the harasser:

requests sexual favors in exchange for something else. Signup and view all the answers

The MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is:

substandard or inappropriate patient care. Signup and view all the answers

Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via:

animals or insects. Signup and view all the answers

When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should:

allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction?

An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding HIV is correct?

There is no vaccine against HIV infection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation involving active gunfire?

A concrete barricade Signup and view all the answers

You are transporting an elderly woman who has possibly experienced a stroke. She is obviously scared but is unable to talk and cannot move the entire right side of her body. In addition to providing the medical care that she needs, you should:

acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you will take good care of her. Signup and view all the answers

______________ is the type of consent given when the patient verbally or otherwise acknowledges that he or she wants you to provide care or transport.

expressed consent Signup and view all the answers

______________ means that you explained the nature of the treatment being offered, along with the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to treatment, as well as potential consequences of refusing treatment, and the patient has given consent.

informed consent Signup and view all the answers

______________ occurs when a person is unconscious or otherwise incapable of making a rational, informed decision about care, and unable to give consent, and the law assumes that the patient would consent to care and transport to a medical facility if he or she were able to do so.

implied consent Signup and view all the answers

_________________ occurs when an adult patient who is mentally incompetent is not able to give informed consent. Consent for emergency care should be obtained from someone who is legally responsible for the patient, such as a guardian or conservator.

involuntary consent Signup and view all the answers

______________ is the process by which an individual, institution, or program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain predetermined standards to ensure safe and ethical patient care.

certification Signup and view all the answers

_____________ is the process by which a competent authority, usually the state, grants permission to practice a job, trade, or profession.

licensure Signup and view all the answers

______________ is an established process to determine the qualifications necessary to be allowed to practice a particular profession, or to function as an organization.

credentialing Signup and view all the answers

______________ is how a reasonably prudent person with similar training and experience would act under similar circumstances, with similar equipment, and in the same or similar place.

standard of care Signup and view all the answers

The manner in which principles of ethics are incorporated into professional conduct is known as bioethics.

False Signup and view all the answers

Immunity laws, which vary from state to state, do not provide immunity when injury or damage is caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.

True Signup and view all the answers

Defamation that is spoken is known as libel.

False Signup and view all the answers

Criminal lawsuits for battery are common in health care.

False Signup and view all the answers

Once your ambulance is dispatched to an emergency, you have an obligation to respond. What is this called?

duty to act Signup and view all the answers

You arrive at the scene of a call to find an elderly man complaining of chest pain. You introduce yourself and ask permission to examine him. He nods and extends his arm. Which type of consent is this?

expressed consent Signup and view all the answers

While evaluating a noncritical patient in the field, you receive a call from dispatch regarding a serious four-car accident. You inform the patient you are treating to have someone take him to his doctor to get checked out before leaving to attend to the more seriously injured people. This is an example of what?

abandonment Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to care for your patient once he tells you he does not want to go to the hospital?

encourage him to call 9-1-1 again if his condition worsens Signup and view all the answers

The right of a patient to make decisions concerning his or her health is called what?

patient autonomy Signup and view all the answers

An obvious sign of death caused by discoloration of the body from pooling of the blood to the lower parts of the body is called what?

dependent lividity Signup and view all the answers

You belong to a small volunteer EMS company and are treating a patient with chest pain, and you feel that the administration of aspirin is indicated. You ask the patient if he is allergic to aspirin and he says no. Shortly after you administer the aspirin, the patient develops signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

This scenario requires careful management and may involve calling for emergency medical assistance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

EMT Training Levels

Paramedics complete extensive training of 1,000 to over 1,300 hours covering a broad range of ALS skills.
EMT courses require approximately 150 hours, focused on essential knowledge and basic emergency care.
AEMT training ranges from 200 to 400 hours, teaching advanced skills such as IV therapy and limited medication administration.
EMR training provides immediate care skills focusing on BLS and urgent care with limited equipment.

Important Terms and Definitions

Public safety access point (PSAP) is reached by dialing 9-1-1.
Medical director is responsible for determining appropriate care through standing orders and protocols.
Mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) connects patients with healthcare resources through an integrated team.
Community paramedicine involves providers receiving advanced training for health evaluations and immunizations.

Prevention and Health Care Concepts

Airbags in vehicles exemplify secondary prevention, which aims to limit effects after an injury has occurred.
Evidence-based research informs necessary patient care changes.
Public health focuses on prevention alongside education.

Legal and Ethical Aspects

ALS-level instructors must hold a four-year degree for teaching qualified EMS training.
Licensure of EMTs is controlled by the state where they practice.
The Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals in employment.

Patient Care and Interaction

EMTs’ primary service area is where their EMS agency operates.
When a patient confides in an EMT, the EMT must report relevant information to the receiving healthcare professional.
Expressed consent is when a patient verbally agrees to care after understanding the treatment process.

Informed consent involves explaining treatment, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Implied consent occurs when a patient is unconscious and unable to consent, allowing assumed agreement to urgent care.
Involuntary consent is needed for mentally incompetent adults and must be obtained from a legal guardian.

Personal and Occupational Safety

Cumulative stress reactions can develop from prolonged stress in high-pressure roles like EMS.
To lift heavy items safely, bend at the legs and avoid straining the back.
Air drying decontaminated ambulance surfaces is recommended unless instructed otherwise.

Infection and Contamination

Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease.
Exposure refers to contact with potentially infectious materials.
Vector-borne transmission occurs via animals or insects.

Psychological Impact and Support

PTSD may develop after distressing events and involves reexperiencing trauma.
Acute stress reactions increase focus but cause anxiety, while delayed stress reactions lead to a buildup of nervous energy.
Employee assistance programs (EAP) support EMS personnel's mental health.

Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

Duty to act refers to the obligation of an EMT to respond once dispatched.
Standard of care is defined by how a prudent person would act in similar situations.
Negligence requires proving duty to act, breach of duty, injury or damage, and causation.

Special Cases and Additional Information

False imprisonment charges may arise if a patient’s consent to leave is denied during transport.
Documentation related to a patient's status as an organ donor is typically found on their driver's license.
The Dot Emergency Response Guidebook is crucial for referencing hazardous materials during emergencies.### Patient Threat
A significant threat involves the patient posing danger to themselves or others.

Chain of Evidence

To maintain the chain of evidence at a crime scene, avoid cutting clothing damaged by weapons.

DNR and Treatment Protocol

In the case of an unconscious patient with terminal brain cancer and no visible DNR, initiate treatment and consult medical control as required.

Confidential Patient Information

Confidential patient information can be legally released when the patient is competent and provides a signed release form.

Expressed consent is applicable when a mentally competent patient verbally requests transport to a hospital.

Emergency Response Protocol

In emergencies, if a minor patient is unconscious with multiple injuries, prioritize immediate transport to the hospital, instructing parents to meet there.

Communication in Treatment

When treating an agitated and injured patient, utilize open-ended questions to gather necessary information effectively.

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Prepare for your EMT Exam with these flashcard questions that cover vital topics in emergency medical training. Each card presents key terms and their definitions to enhance your knowledge and readiness for the exam. Ideal for aspiring emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

EMT Exam 1 Questions Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is your best defense strategy when a patient with a known allergy to aspirin sues you?

What describes a code of conduct defined by society, religion, or a person affecting character and conscience?

What gives surrogates the right to make healthcare decisions for patients who are incapacitated?

If a male patient rescinds consent during transport after initially allowing care, what might you be charged with if you refuse to let him out?

The standards of emergency care for an EMT are often based on what?

Where would you most likely find information regarding a patient's wishes to be an organ donor?

Who defines the EMT's scope of practice within their local response area?

What components are needed to prove negligence?

When is forcible restraint permitted?

Maintaining the chain of evidence at a crime scene should include what practice?

What should you do when a 59-year-old unconscious patient has a DNR order that cannot be located?

In which circumstance can the EMT legally release confidential patient information?

What type of consent is involved when a mentally competent female asks an EMT to take her to the hospital?

What should you do when you arrive at the scene of a pedestrian accident with an unconscious child?

What should you do when treating a conscious and agitated gunshot wound patient?

The ________________ completes an extensive course of training, from 1,000 to more than 1,300 hours, that significantly increases knowledge and mastery of basic skills and covers a wide range of ALS skills.

The ___________________ course requires approximately 150 hours (more in some states) and provides essential knowledge and skills required to provide basic emergency care in the field.

The ____________________ course ranges between 200 and 400 hours and teaches skills such as IV therapy, the use of advanced airway adjuncts, and the knowledge and skills necessary to administer a limited number of medications.

__________________ training provides skills necessary to initiate immediate care and focuses on providing immediate BLS and urgent care with limited equipment.

A ___________ can be reached by dialing 9-1-1.

A _____________ determines appropriate care in a set of written standing orders and protocols.

In ______________ , an integrated team of health care professionals delivers health care services and connects patients with other resources.

In ________________ , providers receive advanced training including performing health evaluations and administering immunizations.

The development of airbags in vehicles is an example of primary prevention.

Evidence-based research is the primary means of determining if changes need to be made in patient care.

The focus of the public health arm of health care is education.

ALS-level instructors and directors must hold a four-year degree.

Which of the following agencies is the source of the EMS Agenda for the Future, the multidisciplinary national review of all aspects of EMS delivery?

Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention?

Which of the following is the process in which a person, institution, or program is evaluated and recognized as meeting predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care?

At what level is an individual who has training in basic life support, including automated external defibrillation, use of a definitive airway adjunct, and assisting patients with certain medications?

What is the primary feature of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Which organization developed and published the first curriculum that served as the guideline for EMT training?

Which of the following entities controls licensure of EMTs?

Which of the following statements about health care in the United States is true?

Public health examines the health needs of entire populations. In the United States, public health focuses on education and what else?

What is the responsibility of the medical director to ensure appropriate medical care standards are met by EMTs on each call called?

What is an EMT's primary service area?

You are caring for a driver who struck a light pole. She admits to drinking alcohol but orders you not to tell anyone. You should report the information to __________.

Which of the following courses requires about 150 hours of training?

The ability to understand others and have them understand you is known as __________.

The ability to handle multiple tasks based on their priority is called __________.

The determination that prompt surgical care in the hospital is more important than performing time-consuming procedures in the field on a major trauma patient is based MOSTLY on:

Prehospital patient care decisions should be based on __________.

Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct?

National guidelines for EMS care are intended to __________.

American Heart Association protocols are based on __________.

Which of the following statements is the most accurate?

When a person comes into contact with blood, body fluids, tissues, or airborne particles in a manner that suggests disease transmission may occur, the situation is known as _____________.

A ______________ is a microorganism that is capable of causing disease in a susceptible host.

A ___________________ can be spread from one person or species to another.

The abnormal invasion of a host or host tissues by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, with or without signs or symptoms of disease is called an ______________.

________________ is the presence of infectious organisms on or in objects such as dressings, water, food, needles, wounds, or a patient's hands.

You should wear clothing made from cotton in cold, wet environments.

Ambulances should be parked at least 100 feet away from all crash sites.

In sufficiently high concentrations, cyanide causes signs and symptoms of shock and severe hypoxia, leading to death.

There are five common hazards in a fire: Smoke, oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, building collapse, and equipment.

OSHA requires all EMS providers to utilize a high-visibility public safety vest while on or near the roadway.

Which of the following statements would be appropriate for an EMT to make when responding to a grieving parent?

_______________ may develop after a person has experienced a psychologically distressing event and is characterized by reexperiencing the event.

_________________ is/are a strong contributor to heart disease, hypertension, cancer, alcoholism, and depression.

During ____________________ you feel nervous and excited, and your ability to focus increases.

During ______________ you may be left with nervous, excited energy that continues to build and becomes a distraction.

Which of the following should you do when lifting something heavy?

Which of the following involves the spread of infection by animals or insects that carry an organism from one person or place to another?

What blocks the ability of the hemoglobin to transport oxygen to body tissues?

While treating a patient with a high fever and cough, you accidentally expose yourself to the illness. What should you do?

What was the focus of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying?

What are the three stages of general adaptation syndrome?

The tactical use of an impenetrable barrier for protection that law enforcement agents use is called what?

You are responding to an accident scene involving an overturned semi truck carrying diesel fuel. Which reference source will be most helpful in this case?

What program, often available for EMS personnel, involves contracted agencies that provide a wide array of mental health, substance abuse, crisis management, and counseling services?

After assessing a patient's blood glucose level, you accidentally stick yourself with the contaminated lancet. You should:

Quid pro quo, a type of sexual harassment, occurs when the harasser:

The MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is:

Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via:

When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should:

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction?